Illustrated Installation Instructions

Notes

2

Table of Contents

3

General Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Local Building Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Scheduling Your Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Unloading, Storage, and Handling . . . . . . 4Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Expansion and Contraction . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Sub-Structure Framing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Installing Feature and Perimeter Strips . . 5Joist Spacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Under-Deck Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Deck Drainage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

General Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Tools Needed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Board Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6GeoDeck Board Spacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Traditional or Commercial Gapping . . . . . 7Tongue & Groove Gapping . . . . . . . . . . . 7Gapping of Mitered Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Fasteners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Parallel or Perpendicular Decking . . . . . . 9Diagonal Decking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Feature and Perimeter Strips . . . . . . . . . 11Railing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Stair Treads and Risers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Stair Railing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Fascia Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Store Flat

Do Not Burn

No Dumping

Protective Gear

Scheduling Your Project

Unloading, Storage, and Handling of GeoDeck

GeoDeck boards should be stored on a dry, flat surface andsupported every 24 inches. Do not stack GeoDeck more thanfour skids high. Cutting and drilling of GeoDeck does notproduce respirable dust, but it is a good practice to alwayswear protective equipment such as safety glasses and hearingprotection when operating power equipment.

Expansion and Contraction

Every material expands and contracts with temperaturechanges, and composite decking is no exception. Avoidpotential problems by budgeting time for proper acclimationof GeoDeck to local temperatures.

It is best to mark, cut, and install boards when they are all atroughly the same temperature. Boards that have spent severalhours in the sun will have expanded more than those kept inthe shade, and consequently will contract more when theycool down.

If possible, schedule construction to take place during the timeof the average daytime temperature. On extremely hot days(90°F+), steps should be taken to reduce the effect ofcontraction as the boards cool, such as storing boards in the shade and making final cuts after boards have cooled.

Allow for gapping when joining GeoDeck decking from end to end.

General Introduction

GeoDeck® is a state-of-the-art deck and railing system that will give you years of ageless beauty and carefree enjoyment.

GeoDeck boards come in:

•Three colors: Cedar, Driftwood, and Mahogany •Three profiles: Traditional, Tongue & Groove, and Heavy-Duty Commercial

•Three lengths: 12’, 16’, and 20’

The complete GeoDeck system includes boards, post sleeves,railings, balusters, end caps, post caps, post base trim, andhandrail collars — everything needed to create a great-looking deck.

Since GeoDeck is manufactured from recycled cellulose fiber,plastics, and minerals, its properties differ from those of woodproducts. So naturally, it has different handling and installationrequirements, which need to be taken into considerationduring the planning of your deck before you start installation.The following illustrated instructions have been provided tohelp you understand and take advantage of these differenceswith appropriate installation techniques. Following theseinstructions along with good building practices will deliver thehighest quality installation. Failure to follow these instructionsalso risks voiding the GeoDeck warranty.

Local Building Codes

Follow all local codes and good construction practices whendesigning and installing the deck sub-structure. Most municipalbuilding codes have specific deck construction requirements.Failure to follow local building codes, including filing plans andscheduling inspections with the municipal building inspector,may result in costly post-construction modifications. There aremany excellent deck construction books on the market, manyof which are available at your local lumberyard. In addition tolocal codes, be sure to follow the instructions in this manualthat specifically pertain to the GeoDeck products. Failure to doso may void your GeoDeck warranty.

4

NOTE: If the outside temperature is greater than60°F, butt boards together tightly. For temperaturesless than 60°F, leave 1/16” gap between boards. Thelonger the board, the more it may contract.

Cautions

5

Installing Feature and Perimeter Strips

Layout your deck using standard framing techniques. Thecutaway detail below shows the joist, 2x4 spacer, and blockingborder. This framing allows the GeoDeck boards and thePerimeter Strips a solid foundation to rest on.

The following two illustrations show how to complete a cornerwith and without a post using the same framing techniques.

Sub-Structure Framing

2x4 Spacer

Blocking

Outer Joist

Joist

Cutaway DetailCutaway DetailCutaway Detail

The intermediate joist is the framing necessary for Feature Strips.

Center blocking ties the joist together to complete the framing.

Joist Spacing

Joists should be spaced no more than 24” on center. Inapplications of prolonged direct sunlight or in southernclimates, use 16” on center joist spacing to reduce deflectionbetween joists. If applying deck boards diagonally across joists, the joist spacing should be reduced by 4”. Heavy-DutyCommercial boards may be used diagonally on joists spaced 24” on center. Be certain that the joist system is properlysquared and secured with center blocking.

Intermediate Joists

Intermediate JoistIntermediate JoistIntermediate Joist

2x4 Spacer

Feature Strip

Center Blocking Center Blocking

Blocking

Blocking

2x4 Spacer

Joist

Corner Without PostCorner Without PostCorner Without Post

Perimeter Strip

Blocking 2x4 Spacer

Joist

Corner With PostCorner With PostCorner With Post

Perimeter Strip

6

Sub-Structure Framing

Under-Deck Ventilation

Make sure there is proper cross ventilation under the deck.

Installations 2244”” oorr lleessss from grade or rooftop: use theTraditional deck board and provide a 3/16” space (width of a 16-penny nail) between boards.

Installations 2244”” oorr mmoorree from grade or rooftop: use either theTraditional deck board with 1/8” space between boards or theTongue & Groove board. If using Tongue & Groove, leave atleast two sides of the under-deck space open for cross ventilation.

Deck Drainage

Slope the deck slightly (1/16” per foot) away from the housefor water runoff, particularly for Tongue & Groove boards.

Proper flashing is essential when installing a deck over a livingspace. Be certain that water drains from the deck and does notleave standing pools.

When it is not possible to build the proper pitch and crown,such as when remodeling an existing deck, drill holes at lowestpoint in each cavity on the underside of the boards to ensurewater drainage.

General Guidelines

Tools Needed

Typical woodworking tools are required.

Board Layout

In order to minimize the aesthetic impact of expansion andcontraction, do not use butt joints.

Lay out the joist substructure to take advantage of full boardlengths.

Lay out the boards perpendicular to house or at a 45° angle.

GeoDeck Board Spacing

Whenever a deck board meets the wall of a dwelling, leave a 1/8” space for air circulation and to prevent wateraccumulation. Siding or moulding can later conceal this gap.

Allow a 3/16” spacing gap between the deck board and thewood newel post. The GeoDeck post sleeve and post basetrim, when placed over the wood newel post, will cover the gap.

Feature Strips

Diagonally

Perimeter Strips

Perimeter Strips

Perpendicular Traditional Board orTongue & Groove

ParallelFeature Strips

Perimeter Strips

3/16”3/16”

(Drain holes shown from below deck.)

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Traditional or Commercial Gapping

Keep the deck boards square as you proceed. Check for square-ness every few boards and adjust the board-to-board gap asnecessary to compensate. Maintain a minimum board-to-boardgap to assure proper drainage of rain and snow melt.

Tongue & Groove Gapping

The installation of Tongue & Groove boards is similar to that of Traditional and Commercial boards with a few exceptions. Do not force Tongue & Groove boards together. Hand fit only,using a credit card or an item of similar thickness (~1/32”) as a spacing guide. An installation that is too tight will restrictwater runoff and may cause buckling.

Gapping of Mitered Joints

Mitered joints at the corners are required. However, sometimesbutt joints may be necessary when the Perimeter Strip isn’tlong enough. In this case, place the butt joint next to a verticalrail post. To create the butt joint, use a router bit or handdrywall shaper to chamfer the edge. Make sure to leave 3/16”between the butted Perimeter Strips.

Fasteners

Traditional: Use 8d 2 1/2” stainless or acceptably coated ringshank nails. A coil drum ring siding/fencing pneumatic nailerspeeds the installation dramatically. If using screws, use a #9,2 1/2” stainless (or coated) trim head screw. Apply a minimumof two fasteners on every joist, and three at the ends of eachboard. Avoid fastening within 3/4” from the ends of boards to prevent cracking. If hand nailing, a 2 1/2” 8d small headstainless steel ring shank nail provides superior holding withminimal fastener exposure. If using a Feature Strip, allow theends that will butt the Feature Strip to overlap the openingwhere the Feature Strip will be installed. These ends will betrimmed to length later.

Heavy-Duty Commercial: Use minimum 10d 3” stainlesssteel or acceptably coated ring shank nails. If using screws, usea #9, 3” stainless steel (or coated) trim head screw. Applya minimum of three fasteners on every joist. Avoid fasteningwithin 3/4” from the ends of boards to prevent cracking.

General Guidelines

3/16”

Traditional or Commercial

Tongue & Groove

3/4”

Traditional or Commercial

Fascia: Use a minimum of three fasteners every 12”. Thesame fasteners used on the deck may be used on the fascia.Use corner moulding when two fascia boards meet at anangle. Corner moulding can be fashioned from GeoDeckbaluster stock.

Use an overlapping miter cut (similar to cedar siding) to jointwo or more pieces of the fascia board. Butt the boards with a1/8” to 3/16” gap and cover the gap with a 1” to 2” piece oftrim nailed vertically. This allows the board to slide behind andconceal any contraction and expansion.

Applies to All Board Types: If visible fasteners areunwelcome, consider using concealed fasteners or colored,splitless ring shank siding nails that match GeoDeck colors.Both are available commercially.

A pneumatic nail gun, a coil drum ring siding/fencing nailer,greatly speeds installation. Adjust the air pressure (between 90 and 110 psi) to ensure consistent pressure for proper nailpenetration. Check for correct pressure by testing the nail gunwith the chosen fastener on a scrap board.

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Tongue & Groove: Use 8d 2 1/2” stainless or acceptablycoated ring shank nails, driven through the tongue at a 55° to60° angle to the horizontal, through the tongue-to-shoulderjunction, and into the joist below. (See the RecommendedFasteners chart below.) A coil drum siding nailer speeds theinstallation significantly. If using screws, use a #9, 2 1/2”stainless (or coated) trim head screw. Be careful to avoidforcing Tongue & Groove boards together, particularly whenusing screws. Hand fit the boards only, using a credit card oran item of similar thickness (~1/32”) as a spacing guide. Aninstallation that is too tight will restrict water run off and maycause buckling.

General Guidelines

55-60

Tongue & Groove

Recommended Fasteners

Shadoe®Track is a registered trademark of TY-LAN Enterprises Inc. Tebo™ is a trademark of Spotnails Inc.DECKMASTER® is a registered trademark of John Wagner Assoc., Inc. Tiger Claw® is a registered trademark of Tiger Claw, Inc.

Board

Shadoe® Track

Traditional

T&G

X

X

X

XX

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

XCommercial

Tebo™ DECKMASTER® Tiger Claw® Nails/Power Nails/Hand Power

Nails ScrewsHidden Fasteners

11

Start decking. Leave 1/8” between house; cover later with sidingor moulding.

222

Install boards with extra to be trimmed later. (See Fasteners Chart p.8)

333 Perimeter Strip

Joist

2x4

3/16” Space3/16” Space3/16” SpaceDecking444

Mark and cut boards next to posts or house to actual length beforeattaching. The skill saw will not cut up to these areas.

Boards should overlap joist (allowing 3/16” for expansion/contraction)where Perimeter Strips and Feature Strips will be added.

555 666

Pop a chalk line to indicate final cut length. Cut off excess.

9

Parallel or Perpendicular Decking Installation

Install Feature and Perimeter Strips when all decking is complete. (See Feature and Perimeter Strips p.11)

777

113/16”

3/16”

Cut corner piece and attach for guide. Always fasten 3/16” from edgeof board.

22

Cut and attach boards as you go. (See Fasteners Chart p.8)Note: Trim excess after all boards are attached.

Feature Strip

Joist

2x4

3/16” Space3/16” Space3/16” SpaceDecking

33 44

Pop a chalk line on all edges to indicate final cut length.

555 6 6

Cut off excess. Install Feature and Perimeter Strips when all decking is complete.(See Feature and Perimeter Strips p.11)

10

Diagonal Decking Installation

Boards should overlap joist (allowing 3/16” for expansion/contraction)where Perimeter Strips and Feature Strips will be added.

Feature Strips

3/16” 3/16”

Feature Strips are placed between decking joints. Up to 12’ long boards may used on either side of a Feature Strip.

3/16”

1”

Perimeter Strips

Perimeter Strips are placed around outer edge of decking. (Allow for a maximum overhang of 1”.)

Complete.

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Feature and Perimeter Strip Installation

File or rout edges when butt joints are unavoidable.

11

Measure post height. NOTE: Check local building codes for height requirements.

222

Cut post sleeve 1” longer than post height.

Railing System Installation

433

Slide post sleeve onto wood post.

44

Slide base trim onto post sleeve.

55 66

Center top rail on post and mark.

88

101010

Center bottom rail on post and mark. Cut rails 3/16” to 1/4” shorter than post-to-post distance. A carbidetipped blade will cut the aluminum in the top rail.

Assemble top and bottom rails and balusters. Attach ratchet strap to hold system together. Nail balusters with brads to top and bottom back side of rails.

12

Railing System Installation

99

777

Apply polyurethane adhesive to post sleeve edge. Place cap and nail to newel with brads.

111111

Cut support blocks (no more than 5.5” long).

121212

Insert support blocks into bottom of rail. Nail with brads to backside of rails.

131313 141414

Add collars to rails (flat edges face posts). Stand railing system up.

151515

Attach with screws provided. Remove ratchet strap. Complete.

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Railing System Installation

10”

11”

7”3/4”1/8”

1/8”

1/8”1/8”

2 GeoDeck S4S boardsfor tread

GeoDeck S4S board for riser

3/4” overhang

Using 5/4” S4S profile, butt two boards together for an 11” tread. Do not overhang tread more than 3/4” past riser.

Post sleeve cover over wood newel post

Leave 3/16” gap between handrail and post.

Cut stair rail collar to align with post sleeve and secure.

Post base trimRest bottom stair rail on stair treadsin lieu of support blocks.Bottom stair rail will accommodate a 35° maximum pitch.

Stair Details

16”

16”

11

UP

22

Place stair carriages no more than 16” on center. Cut treads and risers to length and add polyurethane adhesive tointerior lip of board. Tap end caps into position.

33

Top View Bottom View

44 55

Nail brads into end caps. Position weep holes down (as shown in top view).

Place two 5/4” S4S boards per step for treads. Use two wideheadscrews each time boards cross stair carriages.

Place one 5/4” S4S for risers and attach with fasteners.

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Stair Treads and Risers Installation

X

11

Measure post and cut sleeve 1” longer than post.

22

Slide post sleeve over post.

33 44

Slide post base trim over post. Apply polyurethane adhesive to post. Place cap and nail to newel with brads.

55 661-1/4”

1-1/4”

77

1-1/4”

1-1/4”

88

Hold rails on stair treads and mark as shown. Cut upper and lower railsto length. Spaces between newel post and baluster should not exceed4” on center.

Slide collars onto rails. Check for correct orientation and mark angleto be cut.

Place collars on their side and cut on the marked angle. NOTE: All collars are not cut the same. Top collars are cut at oppositeangles than bottom collars.

Assemble parts.

15

Stair Railing Installation

99

Shift assembly as shown.

101010

Place assembly between posts and attach with screws provided.

Complete.

16

11

Measure areas to be covered with fascia. Cut and attach every 12”using same fasteners used for decking.

22

Baluster material can be used to cover corners.Attach with brads on one side only to allow for expansion and contraction.

Fascia Boards Installation

Notch

Option

If hand or stair rails are angled, collar may be notched.

Stair Railing Installation

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Through regular use and atmospheric conditions, GeoDeckmay become dirty and require light cleaning to keep it lookingfresh as well as to allow Tongue & Groove boards to drainproperly. GeoDeck is easy to clean. Most stains can beremoved with a general-purpose household cleaner and/ordegreaser. Remember that fresh stains are usually easier toremove than ones that are allowed to set.

Removing Dirt, Dust, and Scratches

Simply use a wire brush to remove dirt, dust or scratches. A few strokes along the grain will most likely refresh theGeoDeck board. Also, fine-grit sandpaper can be used to touchup any remaining remnants on the surface.

Removing Oily Stains

For oily stains such as gasoline, butter, mayonnaise, etc., use a degreaser along with a scrubbing sponge. You can also applyrubbing alcohol with a scouring pad. After you’ve applied thecleaning treatment, there might be a whitish area where youapplied the rubbing alcohol and scouring pad. To fully restorethe board, apply a few strokes along the grain with a wirebrush and the dust produced from the scouring pad shouldbe removed.

Removing Microbial Stains

Microbial stains, such as algae and black mold, do not damageGeoDeck boards. For the most part, algae and black mold sit onthe surface and consume pollen without degrading the board.

Caring for Tongue & Groove Boards

Power washing GeoDeck’s Tongue & Groove boards will improvecleaning results. Spray should be consistent with the grainof the product. Be careful not to damage the boards and takeproper safety precautions when operating a power washer.

Cleaning

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LDI Composites, Co. (hereinafter “Manufacturer”) WARRANTSthat its GeoDeck® products are manufactured from recoveredcellulose and plastic, and will not rot, split or suffer structuraldamage from termites or fungal decay for a period of 20 yearsfrom the time of shipment to customer.

MANUFACTURER’S LIABILITY UNDER THIS WARRANTY ISLIMITED SOLELY TO REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE GEODECKPRODUCTS OR REFUND, WITH THE FIRST 10 YEARS NON-PRORATED AND THE SECOND 10 YEARS ON A STRAIGHT-LINE DEPRECIATING BASIS, AT MANUFACTURER’S OPTION.Purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy for any claimwhatsoever, whether in contract, warranty, tort or strict liability,arising out of the use, storage or possession of GeoDeckproduct, including without limitation any claim that GeoDeckproducts failed to perform as warranted, shall be replaced withsubstitute GeoDeck products or completely refunded within the first 10 years with the second 10 years based on a straightline depreciating basis, at Manufacturer’s option. To obtainreplacement or refund, the original owner must submit its claimtogether with this warranty certificate, the original purchaseinvoice indicating the date of purchase, pictures of the defectiveGeoDeck products, and a detailed written description toGeoDeck, 1518 South Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54304.

THE WARRANTY SHALL NOT APPLY TO GEODECK PRODUCTSTHAT HAVE NOT BEEN INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITHMANUFACTURER’S AND ICC GUIDELINES (Report No. ESR-1369, dated June 1, 2005 and Legacy Report No. 21-71,dated December 3, 2005). This warranty shall not coverdefects due to (i) natural disasters, including fire, smoke, water,earthquakes, lightning or static electricity; (ii) causes external tothe GeoDeck product such as, but not limited to, weather; (iii)the neglect, abuse, misuse (including faulty installation, repairor maintenance by other than Manufacturer), improper storageof the GeoDeck product or other failure to comply with theinstructions set forth in the documentation and/or manualaccompanying the GeoDeck product, (iv) a modification of the GeoDeck product not provided by the Manufacturer; (v) a malfunction of any product not provided by Manufacturerwith which the GeoDeck product is used or combined; (vi)use, modification or other treatment of the GeoDeck productin a manner for which it was not designed or intended; (vii)defects in articles purchased by Manufacturer and resold by it without alteration and defects in materials purchased bymanufacturer which cannot be discovered by warranty factoryinspection; (viii) placement under or subjection to abnormaluse conditions; or (ix) normal wear and tear. This warrantydoes not cover product defects on installed decks that wereapparent at or prior to installation.

Warranty

MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY SHALL APPLY ONLY TOGEODECK PRODUCTS. IN NO EVENT SHALL MANUFACTURERBE LIABLE FOR LABOR OR OTHER EXPENSES INCURRED BYTHE PURCHASER, OR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY ORCONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER.MANUFACTURER’S LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF THEMANUFACTURE, SALE OR SUPPLY OF THE GEODECKPRODUCTS OR THEIR USE, WHETHER BASED UPONWARRANTY, CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE, SHALL NOT EXCEED THE ACTUAL PURCHASE PRICE PAID BY THE PURCHASER FOR THE GEODECK PRODUCTS.

Purchaser acknowledges that the GeoDeck products are notstructural lumber and therefore may not be used as such.PURCHASER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR DETERMININGTHE SUITABILITY FOR USE OR APPLICATION OF ANYGEODECK PRODUCT, OR WHETHER GEODECK PRODUCTSMEET REQUIREMENTS OF APPLICABLE BUILDING CODES OR SAFETY CODES FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS.

No person or entity is authorized by Manufacturer to make and Manufacturer shall not be bound by any statement orrepresentation as to the performance of GeoDeck productsother than what is contained in this warranty. This warrantyshall not be amended or altered except in written instrumentsigned by Manufacturer and Purchaser.

THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO GEODECKPRODUCTS, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUTLIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR MERCHANTABILITY,FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURCHASE OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. Laws from time to time in force in certainjurisdictions may imply warranties that cannot be excluded orcan only be excluded to limited extent. This warranty shall beread and construed subject to any such statutory provisions.This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may haveother rights, which vary from state to state. To activate thewarranty, please fill out and return the warranty card within 30 days of purchase.

GeoDeck1518 South Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54304TEL: (877) 804-0137FAX: (920) 435-1528http://www.geodeck.com

ICC-ES Report No. ESR-1369Legacy Report No. 21-71

19

4.175”

2” x 2” Baluster

Rail

4” x 4” Post 6” x 6” Post

5/4” x 6” Tongue & Groove

5/4” x 6” Traditional

6/4” x 8” Heavy-Duty Commercial

5/4” x 6/4” Profile End Cap

Post Base Trim Post Cap DecorativePost Cap

Decorative PostBase Trim

Stair Rail Collar

Fascia Board

Finish Strip

Hand RailCollar

Tongue & Groove Profile End Cap

Deck Accessories

Deck Components

6/4” x 6” Feature Strip

6/4” x 6” Perimeter Strip

Product FeaturesFade Resistant

Tongue & Groove and Traditional BoardsFast and Easy Installation

Low MaintenanceSuperior Strength and Durability

Safe and Environmentally Responsible20-Year Limited Warranty

For more information, call toll free: (877) 804-0137

www.geodeck.com

1518 South Broadway

Green Bay, WI 54304

©2006 LDI Composites Co.

GEO6542.0806